Effect of Applied Load on Tribological Study of Hybrid Metal Matrix Composites

Abstract

In the present article to studies on microstructure, mechanical and tribological properties of aluminium MMCs reinforced with silicon carbide (SiC p ) and graphite (Gr) particles were carried out. A356 alloy is used as the aluminium based matrix material with varying the reinforcement of SiC p from 0 to 9 wt. % in steps of 3 wt. % and fixed quantity of 3 wt. % of graphite. The specimens were fabricated by stir-cast method. The prepared specimens were examined using optical microscope to know the particle distribution in the matrix. Hardness, tensile and wear tests were carried out for specimen. The wear test was carried out using pin-on disc wear testing machine with varying applied load. From the results, it was observed that the composite showed higher hardness and tensile strength as compared to the base alloy. The presence of reinforcements (SiC p and Gr) significantly affects the solid state transition kinetics that improves the properties of composites. The significant improvement in strength and wear resistance was obtained for composite when compared to the base alloy specimen. The worn out surfaces and wear debris of specimen were analyzed using (scanning electron microscope) SEM and electron dispersive spectroscopy (EDS).